Goa: Researchers at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, K.K. Birla Goa Campus, have developed a pharmaceutical polymer-based hydrogel that can be used as a bioink for extrusion-based 3D printing, with potential applications in skin tissue engineering and customised drug delivery.

The research explores the use of pharmaceutical-grade polymers, including starch, maltodextrin and sodium alginate, to formulate hydrogels with properties suitable for 3D printing. The approach could help address some of the challenges associated with conventional bioinks, including material variability, safety concerns, high costs and regulatory requirements.

Hydrogel shows strong printing properties

The researchers developed a hydrogel designed to provide the flow and recovery characteristics required for extrusion-based 3D printing. The material demonstrated shear-thinning behaviour, allowing it to flow when subjected to the force generated during printing and subsequently regain its structure after being deposited.

The study reported 87% thixotropic recovery, indicating that the hydrogel could retain the shape and structural integrity of printed structures.

Potential for customised drug delivery

To demonstrate the versatility of the formulation, the researchers incorporated glimepiride into the hydrogel and used it to produce 3D-printed customised chewable tablets.

The findings point to the potential of pharmaceutical polymer-based hydrogels for developing personalised drug-delivery systems and other biomedical applications.

Researchers noted, however, that the work is currently at the research and experimental stage. It should not be considered a clinically approved treatment or a commercially available 3D-printed medical product.

The study highlights the growing potential of 3D-printing technologies in pharmaceutical and biomedical research, particularly in areas such as personalised medicine, tissue engineering and customised drug delivery.